Julian Alvarez has declared that Argentina are determined to defend their FIFA World Cup crown in 2026, insisting the reigning champions are ready to make more history at what could be Lionel Messi’s final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Speaking in an interview with FIFA ahead of the expanded 2026 World Cup, Alvarez reflected on his meteoric rise from squad player at Qatar 2022 to becoming one of Argentina’s key attacking leaders under coach Lionel Scaloni.
The Atletico Madrid forward emerged as one of the breakout stars of the 2022 tournament after forcing his way into the starting lineup during Argentina’s dramatic campaign in Qatar. Initially used as a substitute behind Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez seized his opportunity in the group-stage victory over Poland and never relinquished his place.
He went on to score four goals during the tournament, including a memorable brace against Croatia in the semi-finals, helping Argentina secure their third World Cup title.
Now established as a regular starter for the Albiceleste, Alvarez heads into the 2026 tournament with greater responsibility and growing expectations after winning multiple major honours in Europe, including the UEFA Champions League, Copa Libertadores and Copa America.
Reflecting on his competition with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez described the rivalry as healthy and beneficial for the national team.
“We’re competitors, but we also get to play together, which is a pleasure for me,” Alvarez said.
“Whenever we’ve taken to the pitch together, we’ve done well and when just one of us gets the call, all that matters is that we all want what’s best for the team. That internal competition also helps us both develop and improve every day.”
Argentina head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions and have been drawn in Group J alongside Algeria national football team, Austria national football team and Jordan national football team.
Alvarez made it clear that Argentina’s ambition remains unchanged despite the pressure of defending the title.
“As an Argentinian, the excitement is always there and we always want to be crowned champions. There’s no reason for this time to be any different,” he said.
“We want to reach the final. We know it won’t be easy; it’ll take a lot out of us and it could come down to fine margins, but we’ll be as well prepared as possible and take it step by step.”
The striker added that returning to the tournament as reigning world champions carries enormous pride for the squad.
“Heading into this World Cup as world champions is simply incredible. I feel immensely proud. Of course, we want to retain the trophy and make our people jump for joy once again,” he said.
Asked to identify the defining moment of Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, Alvarez pointed to the tense group-stage victory over Mexico after the shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.
“I’d go for the Mexico game. I think it was pivotal because of everything that followed and bearing in mind what had happened beforehand,” he explained.
“It was a real turning point for us. From that moment on, everything fell into place and we knew that our fate was in our own hands.”
Alvarez also acknowledged that successfully defending the World Cup could elevate the current Argentina side into discussions among the greatest national teams in football history.
“If we retain the World Cup, it’d go down in history because we’d be back-to-back world champions, as well as two-time Copa America winners along the way,” he said.
“It’s been a golden era for our country over the last few years, so we hope to savour even more of these incredible moments that make us all so happy.”
The 26-year-old further reflected on the emotional significance of what could be Messi’s final World Cup appearance.
“We’re all fully aware that this could well be Leo’s last World Cup, given his age, but it’s his decision at the end of the day,” Alvarez said.
“It’ll certainly make for a special World Cup and I don’t just mean for us, his team-mates and the Argentinian people, but for everyone who watches and follows him, given that he’s the best player of all time.”
Alvarez said representing Argentina now carries even greater responsibility, especially after cementing his place as one of the team’s leaders since Qatar 2022.
“When you pull on this jersey, you represent an entire nation full of people who live and breathe football,” he said.
“It’s a responsibility as well, but we all do it with love and passion.”
On his personal development since lifting the World Cup trophy four years ago, Alvarez said experience has sharpened his game even if his playing style remains largely unchanged.
“I wouldn’t say my style has changed much since 2022, but I’ve learned some new concepts and improved in certain areas,” he said.
“I have more experience now given how many matches I’ve played in the last few years. Above all, wearing this shirt gives you an extra push and you do get better over time, even if you don’t realise it.”
